MILLIONS are taking medicines they do not need because GPs have to be seen to be doing something, according to a scathing report.

GPs are handing out medications for conditions that will never cause patients harm

An “epidemic of misinformation” has led to unnecessary consultations and endless prescriptions being written for the worried well, experts say.

The situation is so bad the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, representing almost all Britain’s 220,000 doctors, has demanded a revolution to reduce the damage of taking too many drugs.

It says patients should be encouraged to ask if tests are really necessary and GPs should discuss potential risks of certain treatments.

Many people are being diagnosed and treated for conditions that will never cause them harm.

Such conditions can include less aggressive prostate and thyroid cancers, asthma, mild hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

A culture of “more is better” has put the onus on doctors to “do something” at every consultation, according to a coalition of experts including Professor Dame Sue Bailey, chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and consultant cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra.

The report states there is a culture for doctors to 'do something' at every consultation

Their report, published in the BMJ, says: “This has resulted in patients sometimes being offered treatments that have only minor benefit and minimal evidence, despite the potential for substantial harm and expense.”

Dr Malhotra said: “It’s time for a healthcare revolution to truly wind back the harms of too much medicine."

Family GP Ian Campbell added: “Each doctor should work with their patients to explore different treatment options, to weigh up the advantages against the risks, and not rush in to unproven, potentially harmful treatments.